First Fitting........ Wow

At 2pm today I conducted my first fittings for Wife of Bath. This was my first fitting within the AUCB where I took the lead and successfully applied the practices I have been working on for the past two years. This was a very good work experience for me as I am used to working with community based theatre instead of actual stage theatre, it was lovely comparing the differences between the two fittings such as the actors behaviour or the length of time each fitting took. Each of the notes taken must be applied to the top fabric outfit in order for the garment to reach the design requirements. 

Below is my fitting sheets of what I need to do to enhance, fit and correct the outfit. 

BA (Hons) Costume with Performance Design

Female Fitting Form

Production:	The Canterbury Tales	Date:	17th October 2012
Artist:	Diana Winter	Character:	Wife of Bath
Cutter:	Tanya Pye

Skirt:

• No major changes to the skirt.
• Make sure a secure fastening is fitted as actress is being dragged across the table.
• Keep pleats to 2cm each  and 2cm down

Tunic:

• Only lace the sides of the tunic slightly to create shape.
• Change bra size to 36F and take out padding. (The bra must not be seen)
• Sleeves must be in a fitted arm hole and the sleeve head must be larger.
• Top sleeve must be much fuller, add in approx. 12cm flare to the front and back of the sleeve.
• Lower sleeve must length must come down to the hand. Lace up the sides for a tight fit.
• Lower the neckline (boat neck shape).
• Add channel around the neckline and put a cord through to slightly gather.
• Add draped shawl around the collar area and tack in place.
• Add brown leather thronging to the lace up arms, tunic sides, centre front gap and belt.
• Belt size, 80cm with lace up back.
• Take out box pleat from the CB and add slight lacing in a dart at the neck instead.
• Keep the length of the tunic

Back view of garment

Purple line indicates where the neckline must be cut

Pin shows the level of gathering
needed at each side of the tunic

Personal Reflection:

This fitting went extremely well. As this was my first fitting within the university environment where I had minimal assistance and had to work through the issues myself. Due to the amount of work needed to the tunic I shall spend more time during my evenings preparing for this and make miniature deadlines which I shall have to meet. The skirt is the garment I am most proud of. Although this was the most nervous about making this garment, it has turned out well due to the amount of time and attention I have took to make it.